Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM vs Canon EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM compared with EF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
CanonEF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USMCanonEF-S 17–85mm f/4–5.6 IS USM
Overview
Released2016September 2004
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–105 mm17–85 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–32
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in twelve groups17 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsFour aspherical elementsOne double-sided glass-moulded aspherical element according to Canon Camera Museum
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating; front and rear fluorine coating according to The Digital Picture–
DiaphragmTen blades with a circular apertureSix blades with a circular aperture according to Canon Camera Museum
Angle of view84°–23°20′ diagonal, 74°–19°20′ horizontal and 53°–13° verticalHorizontal 68°40′–15°25′, vertical 48°–10°25′, diagonal 78°30′–18°25′ according to Canon Japan
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF-S
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C DSLRs; EOS M cameras require an EF-EOS M mount adaptorCanon EF-S compatible APS-C cameras; equivalent angle of view to 27–136 mm on full frame
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual excludes extenders–
Adaptor supportEF12 II gives 0.60–0.50× at 24 mm and 0.41–0.12× at 105 mm; EF25 II is incompatible at 24 mm and gives 0.61–0.27× at 105 mm–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.35 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual focusing. Canon's manual specifies turning the ring with the shutter half-pressed after One Shot AFUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; Photozone identifies ring-type USM
Focus distance detailInternal focusing according to The Digital Picture; Canon instructs users to finish zooming before focusingMinimum focusing distance is 0.35 m throughout the zoom range; front element does not rotate during focusing according to Photozone
Stabilisation detailCanon claims four-stop optical stabilisation. The exact manual describes automatic adjustment for still subjects and panning, with correction perpendicular to the panning directionCanon states approximately three shutter-speed stops of optical correction
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYes–
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm78.5 mm
Length118 mm92 mm
Weight795 g475 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF and stabilisation switches, separate focus and zoom rings, distance window, infrared index and transport lock at 24 mmAF/MF and stabiliser switches, distance window, focus and zoom rings
Zoom designExtending barrel; zoom lock holds the shortest 24 mm positionExtending double-trombone barrel according to ePHOTOzine; Photozone reports the shortest length at 17 mm and longest at 85 mm
Weather resistanceCanon UK describes dust and moisture sealing; the manual identifies a rubber mount ring. The Digital Picture recommends a protective filter to complete front sealing–
Dimensions detailMaximum diameter × retracted length; size and 795 g weight are lens-only. Caps add 24.2 mm to length according to Canon's manual78.5 mm maximum diameter × 92 mm length; 475 g according to Canon
Lens hoodEW-83M hood with release button; reversible for storageEW-73B hood and LP1116 pouch are listed accessories by Canon Japan; ePHOTOzine confirms the hood is optional and not supplied
In the boxLens, E-77 II front cap, Dust Lens Cap E, EW-83M hood, LP1219 case and manual according to Canon UK–
Release detailCanon Camera Museum's exact-model table records October 2016 marketing; its later RF 24–105mm page retrospectively says November 2016. The year is used because the maker gives conflicting months without explaining a regional differenceCanon Camera Museum and Canon Japan record September 2004 marketing; neither source gives a first-sale day

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